Assessment of Lymphedema Risk Following Lymph Node Dissection and Radiation Therapy for Primary Breast Cancer
Abstract
The purpose of this study are two fold: 1) To determine the feasibility of using concurrent lymphoscintigraphy and CT imaging to identify lymph nodes critical for upper extremity drainage and to establish their relation to radiation therapy ports, and 2) To determine whether the irradiation of level I and II axillary lymph nodes critical for upper extremity drainage predicts the development of lymphedema. In addition to funding this research project, the Career Development award supports Dr. Cheville's completion of a Masters Degree in Clinical Epidemiology. This degree program will provide Dr. Cheville with the knowledge and skills required to succeed as an independent investigator. Dr. Cheville's masters' thesis, required for the degree, will involve data collection, analysis, and presentation of the lymphoscintigraphy study. To date, Dr. Cheville has completed half of the course work required for the Masters Degree, including extensive training in biostatistical analysis. Through consultation with Dr. Cheville's faculty mentor and course work in protocol development, the study design has been refined to address potential bias and confounding. With the support of faculty mentors in epidemiology and biostatistics, study subject enrollment and data collection have begun.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA433048
Entities
People
- Andrea L. Cheville
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania